BLOGTOUR - Come Sundown by Nora Roberts

Hardcover: 480 pages
Publisher: Piatkus (30 May 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0349410909
ISBN-13: 978-0349410906


Love. Lies. Murder. A lot can happen... COME SUNDOWNBodine Longbow loves to rise with the dawn. As the manager of her family's resort in Western Montana, there just aren't enough hours in the day - for life, for work, for loved ones. She certainly doesn't have time for love, not even in the gorgeous shape of her childhood crush Callen Skinner, all grown up and returned to the ranch. Then again, maybe Callen can change her mind, given time...
But when a young woman's body is discovered on resort land, everything changes. Callen falls under the suspicion of a deputy sheriff with a grudge. And for Bodine's family, the murder is a shocking reminder of an old loss. Twenty-five years ago, Bodine's Aunt Alice vanished, never to be heard of again. Could this new tragedy be connected to Alice's mysterious disappearance?
As events take a dramatic and deadly turn, Bodine and Callen must race to uncover the truth - before the sun sets on their future together.
Cover:  A pretty cover, I tend to like the simplicity of Nora Roberts romantic thrillers.

I've read a fair few Nora Roberts books now, including her romantic thrillers.  While I can say I've enjoyed all of them, there have been those that I've loved that little bit more such as Whiskey Beach and The Obsession.
The first chapter of Come Sundown started off quite slowly, but the end of chapter one delivered a real sucker punch and really drew me in.  I actually had to re-read the last paragraph of this chapter because I was like 'woahhh'.
Set in a ranch/resort Bodine is a highly intelligent and efficient boss- she runs the resort like a well oiled machine, but at the centre of it all is her family.  They're all close.  Except for her aunt Alice who deserted them all years ago, left to try and become a movie star and never contacted them again, but maybe that's not all it seems.
Callen is a close family friend, he was practically raised along with Bodine and her brothers, and she may have had a little crush on him.  He left after his father squandered away his land and ended up taking his own life.  Callen left to forge his own path- and now he's back.  And there's definitely something brewing between them- but as local women start to disappear, and turn up dead, will they realise what's between or will it be snatched away from them forever.

The storyline on this one really drew me in.  I really liked that we got to 'see' scenes from both Alice's POV, as well as the villain.
I loved the family dynamic of the ranch- the family bickering, the old and hilarious grannies.

I was so into it that I managed to read it three days, which doesn't sound like a big deal, but with work at the moment, that's quite an achievement- you'll just have to take my word on that.

A great little romantic thrillers that fans of Nora Roberts will really enjoy.

4.5/5 stars.

Excerpt Reveal - A Veil of Vines by Tillie Cole

EXCERPT

Caresa

I closed my eyes as the music pounded through my body. The air was sticky from the mass of bodies on the dance floor. My body swayed to the beat, my feet ached from the five-inch Louboutin heels I was wearing, and my skin was flushed from the copious amounts of 1990 Dom Pérignon I had consumed.
“Caresa!” My name split through the harsh sound of drums and synthesized piano notes. I rolled my eyes open and looked across our cornered-off section of the club at my best friend.
Marietta was sitting on an oversized plush couch, waving a new bottle of champagne in my direction. Laughing, I followed my throbbing feet to where she sat and slumped down beside her. In seconds, a champagne flute was in my hand and the bubbly was flowing once more.
Marietta sat forward, swishing her long blond hair over her shoulder. She raised her glass as though she was going to make a toast. But instead, her bottom lip jutted out into a pathetic pout.
I tipped my head to one side, silently asking her what was wrong.
“I was going to make a toast to the Duchessa di Parma, my very best friend,” she shouted over a new but similar-to-the-last song. “To my best friend leaving me here in dull old New York to go marry a real-life godforsaken prince in Italy.” Marietta sighed and her shoulders slumped. “But I don’t want to. Because that would mean this night is almost over, and tomorrow I lose my partner-in-crime.” A sudden sadness bloomed in my chest at her words. Then, when her eyes filled with tears, those words became a punch in the gut.
Placing my glass on the table before us, I moved forward and put my hand on her arm. “Marietta, don’t get upset.”
She put down her own drink and grabbed my hand. “I just don’t want to lose you.”
My stomach rolled. “I know,” I said. Then I didn’t say anything else, but I could see Marietta register my unspoken words. I don’t want to go either.
Keeping my hand in hers, I slumped back against the couch and let my eyes drift over the busy dance floor below. I watched the throng of Upper East Siders losing themselves in the music. A pang of fear swept through me.
This really would be my last night in New York. In the morning, I would fly to Italy, where I would live from that day on.
Marietta shuffled closer to me and cast me a watery smile. “How are you doing?” she asked as she squeezed my hand.
“I’m okay. Just nervous, I guess.”
Marietta nodded her head. “And your papa?”
I sighed. “Ecstatic. Overjoyed that his precious daughter will be marrying the prince he chose for me as a child.” I felt a pang of guilt for speaking about him so negatively. “That was uncalled for,” I said. “You know as well as I do, Baroness von Todesco” —Marietta scowled playfully at my use of her title— “that we don’t really get a choice in whom we marry.” I leaned forward and picked up my champagne. I took a long swig, enjoying the feel of the bubbles traveling down my throat. I handed Marietta her glass and raised mine in the air. “To arranged marriages and duty over love!”
Marietta laughed and clinked her glass with mine. “But seriously,” Marietta said, “are you okay? Truly okay?”
I shrugged. “I honestly don’t know how to answer that, Etta. Am I okay with the arranged marriage? I suppose so. Am I okay with moving to Italy permanently? Not really. I love Italy—it’s my home, I was born there—but it’s not New York. Everyone I know is here in America.” Marietta’s eyes softened with sympathy. “And am I okay with marrying Zeno Savona? The infamous Playboy Prince of Toscana?” I took a deep breath. “I have no idea. I guess that will become apparent in the next three months.”
“In your ‘courting period,’” Marietta said using air quotes, and snorted with laughter. “What a joke. What twenty-three-year-old woman and twenty-six-year-old man need a courting period?”
I laughed at her sassy tone, but then soberly replied, “Ones who don’t know each other at all? Ones who have to see if they can stand each other’s company before sealing their marital fates forever?”
Marietta shuffled closer. “You know as well as I do that you could hate this so-called prince, detest everything he is—and he you—and I’d still be your maid of honor at your wedding on New Year’s Eve.” She sputtered a laugh. “The very fact that the date has been set says it all. This marriage is happening.” Marietta held up her glass, got to her feet and, with arms spread wide, shouted, “Welcome to the life of the European blue bloods of the Upper East Side! Drowning in Prada and Gucci, dripping in diamonds, but having no free will to call our own!”
I laughed, pulling her back down. She broke into hysterics as her ass hit the couch, spilling champagne all over the expensive upholstery. But our laughter waned as the house lights came on one by one. The last of the dance music drifted into silence, and the rich patrons of Manhattan’s most exclusive nightclub began making their way to their limos and town cars. It was three o’clock in the morning, and I had six hours left in the city I loved beyond measure.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city.

After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.

Tillie has now settled in Austin, Texas, where she is finally able to sit down and write, throwing herself into fantasy worlds and the fabulous minds of her characters.

Tillie is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Young Adult and New Adult novels.

When she is not writing, Tillie enjoys nothing more than curling up on her couch watching movies, drinking far too much coffee, while convincing herself that she really doesn’t need that extra square of chocolate.

The One Real Thing (Hart's Boardwalk #1) by Samantha Young

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Piatkus (6 Sept. 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0349412588
• ISBN-13: 978-0349412580
• Welcome to Hartwell, a quiet seaside escape where uncovering old secrets could lead one woman to discover the meaning of a love that lasts…
  
  While Doctor Jessica Huntington engages with the inmates at the women’s correctional facility where she works, she’s always careful to avoid emotional attachments in her personal life. Loss and betrayal taught her that lesson long ago. But when she comes across a set of old love letters in the prison’s library and visits the picturesque town of Hartwell to deliver them to their intended recipient, she finds herself unable to resist the town’s charm—and her attraction to the sexy owner of a local bar proves equally hard to deny.
  
  Since his divorce from his unfaithful ex-wife, Cooper Lawson has focused on what really matters: his family and the boardwalk pub they’ve owned for generations. But the first time Jessica steps into his bar, Cooper is beyond tempted to risk his heart on her. Yet as their attraction grows hotter and Jessica remains stubbornly closed off, he begins to realize it will take more than just passion to convince her there’s only one real thing in life worth fighting for…

Cover:  I find this such a pretty cover.  The colours of it are just stunning.

I love Samantha Young's books.  She's one of my favourite contemporary romance authors.  Her On Dublin Street series is fantastic, and the stand alone novel Hero is one of my all time favourites.

So I was really excited for The One Real Thing- the first book in a new series.

And I wasn't disappointed.

Another beautiful story- with characters you can really root for, beautiful setting, and a romance with substance.

On paper Jessica and Cooper don't make sense- a doctor and a bar owner.  But they have an amazing chemistry, and more in common than anyone would think.  I loved them together, and while it wasn't always easy, and they had to overcome a fair few issues to get their HEA, I always rooted for them.

The other characters we meet along the way, the residents of Hart's Boardwalk are so charming and endearing that you just can't but love them!  I'm looking forward to seeing more of them.

Over all, I loved this book from start to finish- and highly recommend Samantha Young fans picking this one up, or anyone that enjoys a good contemporary romance.

4.5/5 stars.

BLOGTOUR Deep Redemption by Tillie Cole (Hades Hangmen #4)

                                                ONLY THROUGH BLOOD CAN THE DEEPEST 

REDEMPTION BE FOUND…

He was born to ascend.
He was destined to lead.
He was never meant to fail.

Prophet Cain lies broken and defeated on the floor of his cell. A cell he has been thrown into by the one person who was supposed to stand by his side until the end. His flesh and blood, his only companion. His beloved twin brother.

Cain has sacrificed everything for his people. He left the safety and security of his life of study to infiltrate the infamous Hades Hangmen. He lived with them, rode with them, and then betrayed them. All in the name of a faith he can now feel slipping away from him. Like everything else he once held dear…

But then his isolation is broken. Another prisoner is brought to the cell next to his. A woman fighting her own demons and fears. A woman who Cain understands needs him, as he needs her.

As the connection between them grows, so does Cain’s resolve. He will right the wrongs he has done. He will atone for the evil acts carried out in his name. He will save the one he loves…

… Even if the battle takes him to the gates of hell itself.

Contemporary Dark Romance. Contains explicit sexual situations, violence, sensitive and taboo subjects, offensive language, and mature topics. Recommended for age 18 years and up.

Cover:  I love this cover.  I love all the covers of this series, but I feel this cover in particular is absolutely perfect for the story.

This series.  This author.  I love them both.  
As soon as I started this series, it became in instant favourite.  I was enthralled from the very start.  It hooks you.  Draws you right in, and doesn't let you go.  You can't put it down, but at the same time don't want it to end.
And Deep Redemption was no different.
This book threw so many surprises at me, and- I didn't see them coming.  It was fabulous! (SO HARD NOT TO SPOIL BUT I SHALL BE SILENT.)  They blew my mind, and just kept me reading and reading and reading.
I was a little worried about this one (although I shouldn't have been because Tillie Cole has yet to let me down), but Cain?  How was I going to connect with a character as the protagonist that in the previous books has essentially been the bad guy?
But that's the beauty of Tillie Cole.
She did it.
Cain betrayed the Hangmen.  And he in turn was betrayed by his faith and his own brother.  During his imprisonment- he meets Harmony.  A fellow prisoner and victim of the cult.
And in my eyes, he was definitely redeemed.
This was an epic book in this series, and a must read.
I cannot wait to see what else is instore for this series.
5/5 epic stars!!!!

Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city.
After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.
Tillie has now settled in Austin, Texas, where she is finally able to sit down and write, throwing herself into fantasy worlds and the fabulous minds of her characters.
Tillie is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Young Adult and New Adult novels.
When she is not writing, Tillie enjoys nothing more than curling up on her couch watching movies, drinking far too much coffee, while convincing herself that she really doesn’t need that extra square of chocolate.

FOLLOW TILLIE Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

blog tour organized by @thessamari from

22nd April [BLOGTOUR] The Obsession by Nora Roberts

Hardcover: 464 pages
Publisher: Piatkus (14 April 2016)
ISBN-10: 0349407754
ISBN-13: 978-0349407753

She changed her name. She changed her life. But someone won't let her go. The brand-new novel of love, drama and hope from legendary Nora Roberts.             
Naomi Carson is a survivor. As a child, her family was torn apart by a shocking crime. It could have destroyed her, but Naomi has grown up strong, with a passion for photography that has taken her all around the world.
Now, at last, she has decided to put down roots. The beautiful old house on Point Bluff needs work, but Naomi has new friends intown who are willing to help, including Xander Keaton - gorgeous, infuriating and determined to win her heart.
But as Naomi plans for the future, her past is catching up with her. Someone in town knows her terrifying secret - and won't let her forget it. As her new home is rocked by violence, Naomi must discover their identity, before it's too late.
 Cover:  I like how simple this cover is.  I like that it's not a typical dark and gritty thriller type cover, as they're not my favourite.

I've read a few of Nora Roberts romantic thrillers now, and I have to say I've really enjoyed the ones I've read so far -Whiskey Beach and The Liar.
And I loved this one.
It instantly drew me in, with such an interesting premise.
Naomi has lived a difficult life- when she was young she saved a young woman's life.  A young woman trapped in a cellar.  A young being tortured by Naomi's father.  Her discovery changes her and her family's life forever.
Years later, she's changed her name and trying to forget about it, never getting too attached to people, because when they find out who she really is- things change.
With Xander though, things could finally be different.
While Naomi's happiness is finally within reach, women in the small down keep disappearing...and turning up dead.  Killed much in the same way her father murdered so many.
I loved this story- I liked that it told the story of a notorious killer's family, what happens to them, what they go through.
Also, the suspense with this 'new' killer on the loose.
My only issue was that the big reveal, the threat, and the over all ending seemed very sudden.  We had a big (and well done) build up.  And suddenly it was all over.
I would have liked a little more of an ending.
The romance between Naomi and Xander- I liked it.
I liked that they started off on the same page- nothing serious just fun and friendship between them, but it developed into something else.  Felt organic and it really worked.
The dog- Tag.  A stray dog that Naomi ends up with- totally stole the show for me.  He was an adorable little scene stealer.  Having a dog myself I totally knew what Nora Roberts meant when she wrote about him having expressive eyes, and knowing what humans are saying.  I loved him.
Over all, this was a great read that had my thoroughly engrossed, and I had a bit of a book hangover after reading this- had no idea what to pick up after, really struggled.  Would definitely recommend picking up.
4.5/5 stars.

Read from April 06 to 10, 2016

[BLOGTOUR] An Ounce of Hope by Sophie Jackson

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Headline Eternal (5 Jan. 2016)
• ISBN-10: 1472224663
• ISBN-13: 978-1472224668

From the fanfic phenom whose debut A Pound of Flesh had over 4.5 million reads, this sequel, An Ounce of Hope, tells the passionate love story of Carter’s best friend, Max.

Max O’Hare can’t seem to let go of his past: his drug habit, the end of his relationship with Lizzie Jordan, the woman he knows he’ll never get over, and the loss of their unborn son.

After successfully completing rehab and learning to explore his deepest fears and dreams through painting, Max meets Grace Brooks. With her innate optimism, and her love of art and photography, Grace appears to be the perfect girl. Yet no one knows where she came from, or why she keeps her past so closely guarded. Over time, Max and Grace gradually allow each other in—but will he ever be able to fully let go of his past? Or will his heart remain closed forever?

Sophie’s Selection Of Songs From The AN OUNCE OF HOPE Playlist:

* ‘Bloodstream’ – Ed Sheeran https://youtu.be/XIJHg1XWR7o

* ‘Salvation’ – Gabrielle Aplin https://youtu.be/3IEMnWhT_7c

* ‘Latch (Acoustic)’ – Sam Smith https://youtu.be/pUK6HlzNWEg
* ‘Brazen (Weep)’ – Skunk Anansie https://youtu.be/BC4FN4uubYQ
* ‘Hedonism’ – Skunk Anansie https://youtu.be/LLs-JP5FGAg
* ‘Let Me Down Easy (Acoustic)’ – Paolo Nutini https://youtu.be/bC5_gJXUh-I
* ‘Give Me Love’ – Ed Sheeran https://youtu.be/FOjdXSrtUxA
* ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell https://youtu.be/Ni7HVJO8sHM
* ‘Please Don’t Say You Love Me’ – Gabrielle Aplin https://youtu.be/PxNYvk_0Onw
* ‘The Drugs Don’t Work’ – The Verve https://youtu.be/ToQ0n3itoII